Valerie Wu

What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?

Working closely with the regulator in Singapore to develop a new company structure in Singapore called a Variable Capital Company – with it we are now competitors to Cayman and Luxembourg for instance, and we can enable families to bring wealth to Singapore in line with economic substance.

How did you get into private client?

It was by accident. I was the most junior partner in a firm and the senior partner gave me a portfolio of clients they were disinterested in – they were very old trust deeds. In 2004, Singapore updated the trust law and this file became the most active. I was previously a tax lawyer so it became natural for me to stay there.

What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?

Take a long term view in everything you do.

What is your favourite quote?

“Those who hear not the music think the dancers mad." Friedrich Nietzsche.

Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?

Fashion and assembling looks! I am trying to learn how to play the piano.

When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?

Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck – a hole in the wall in the Far East Plaza.